Spooky Season: Why we all secretly want to be someone else for a night

One of our writers reflects on the origins of Halloween costumes and how oddly liberating it is to slip into another skin...

Arianne Davies
25th October 2025
Image Source: Erin Neal
Now that it’s October, Halloween is fast approaching —a day that I’m sure many of you are already planning for and anticipating. When you think about this unique celebration, I can guarantee that for most people, dressing up is the first thing that comes to mind. On the 31st of October every year, it’s acceptable for anyone and everyone to put on a costume and pretend to be someone or something else for a night. A day when the magic of make-believe is no longer reserved only for children.

From scary looks to stylish ones, or even the more ridiculous (including the more recent Lorax trend), there is a costume out there for everyone. This custom first originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which involved dressing up in animal skins to ward off evil spirits. Since then, costumes have been worn largely to confuse wandering spirits and prevent them from recognising the living. This evolved into trick-or-treating and eventually became the tradition we know today.

...the art of dressing up is ingrained in childhood, allowing memories to be formed and the chance to relive the past, without the responsibilities that come with adulthood.

In the modern world, Halloween is no longer just about scaring evil spirits. Instead, it provides a creative freedom from the everyday and offers a sense of community, bringing people together. Not to mention, the art of dressing up is ingrained in childhood, allowing memories to be formed and the chance to relive the past, without the responsibilities that come with adulthood.

...I think everyone simply enjoys the child-like wonder that comes with pretending to be something you’re not

So, as you plan your costume this year, take a moment to think about why you’re so excited. Sure, you might love planning different looks and taking photos with your friends. But underneath all that, I think everyone simply enjoys the child-like wonder that comes with pretending to be something you’re not – a brief diversion before ordinary life continues.

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